Rain

The Docks

Lord and Lady Beddington had not come to town often since we arrived in Britain. I suppose a combination of fear for being associated with rebellion and the overwhelming effect of societal expectations prevented them from associating with us a great deal, so over the years we maintained an indifferent comraderie. All excuses for silence were pushed away, however, when we sent word that their nephew would be returning that very afternoon. We received them at the house, and once they had settled their luggage, we left for the harbour to have tea. A decade of niceties melted away as my mother and the enthusiastic couple caught up on life events. I confess that I barely listened. Something about Lady Beddington's volunteerism to save the "poor old dears in Africa" and Lord Beddington's success in a risky investment.

It was uninteresting to me, primarily because Ramsey Junior was sitting at a table across the way, staring intently as I tried to look busy with my cup and saucer. I hadn't noticed him before we sat down, but when I took a sip of Darjeeling our eyes met. He was alone. Kind of breathtaking, I had to admit, in the afternoon light, as he smiled ever so slightly with his eyes. He seemed to be amused with me, especially when the teaspoon I'd used to stir in sugar had clanged against the china. My mother glared, but she did not see him. It seemed like no one saw our interaction as he smirked and I blushed. He could save me from the wrath of my parents, I thought. Ramsey Junior could protect me from their hatred when they found out about Arnie. I would be safe. I would be loved.

I felt like I needed to speak with him. This looking was nice, but pure torture in comparison to hearing his voice again.

"Liliane, did you hear Lady Beddington's question?"

I swung back to face the source of droning. "I beg your pardon, Lady Beddington? I am so distracted with Papa's return, I can hardly concentrate."

Lady Beddington nodded sympathetically, patting my hand. "I understand, my dear. I feel quite anxious myself; I doubt I'll even recognize Evan after so many years," she remarked. "But I was inquiring about your debut into society. How does it feel to be a member of English social circles?"

It was exciting. Ramsey Junior had always been too old and aloof for me, but ever since I came into society he hadn't taken his eyes off of me. But that would not do for Lady Beddington. God forbid that I should express how I really felt in polite company. "Very stimulating, Lady Beddington," I replied, picking a neutral adjective. "There are so many parties to go to and so many people to socialize with. I daresay my life has become significantly busier, but in a good way." I smiled dazzlingly, hoping Ramsey Junior would watch how friendly I was with those in my company.

"Ah, to be a debutante again," she sighed wistfully. "Enjoy it, Lilliane. Time flits by far too quickly." Lady Beddington looked lovingly at her husband, who was laughing with Mama about something dreadfully dull. That glance was all beauty and elegance... I wanted to look at someone in that way.

"Yes, ma'am," I agreed. I looked once again for Ramsey Junior, but he had disappeared. While I searched the room frantically with my gaze, Mama announced it was time to wait at the dock where Papa's ship would arrive. I murmured something about needing to freshen up, and the party proceeded to the docks without me. I insisted I would catch up soon, but I desperately wanted to find him and speak with him one more time. Who knew what my parents would do once they found out, but house arrest for the remainder of my young life seemed plausible.

Once the party had left, I went to find the washroom. I headed down a corridor close to the back of the establishment, and almost screamed when a man's arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me close.

"Hush, Liliane! You'll get us caught." For a moment I was sure Evan was behind me, and my heart stopped. I turned around, however, and saw Ramsey Junior instead. Was I disappointed? I hardly knew. "I hoped you would come after me," he smiled crookedly, an expression that was beginning to endear itself to me.